Declining since 2012, #2,778 for girls today.
Popularity of Josey since 1915
Babies named Josey per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 | 0 |
| 1920s | 12 | 0 |
| 1930s | 5 | 0 |
| 1940s | 23 | 0 |
| 1950s | 26 | 0 |
| 1960s | 7 | 0 |
| 1970s | 73 | 36 |
| 1980s | 225 | 281 |
| 1990s | 594 | 262 |
| 2000s | 882 | 150 |
| 2010s | 905 | 155 |
| 2020s | 474 | 133 |
Meaning & origin
Josey is an uncommon American feminine name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1915. It reached its peak popularity in 2012, when it was given to the most number of baby girls that year. Since then, its usage has been on a steady decline, following the broader trend for many diminutive and feminine names. The name is most popular in Georgia, Ohio, and Texas, reflecting a concentration in the South and Midwest. While its origins are somewhat unclear, Josey is generally seen as a charming, informal variant of Josie or Josephine, offering a slightly more distinctive spelling. It remains a rare but recognizable choice, favored by parents seeking a name that feels both familiar and unique.
Josey is primarily an American English spelling variant of Josie, itself a diminutive of Josephine, the feminine form of Joseph. Joseph derives from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning 'He will add' or 'God increases.' The spelling Josey emerged in the early 20th century and gained modest popularity in the United States, particularly in the South.
Where Josey is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jo, Josie
Sibling names for Josey
Names that share Josey's style, for a brother or sister.
